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A dry, persistent cough that occurs at night is not just a sign of a cold. Its cause can be determined based on a doctor's examination. However, it is not always possible to seek medical help in a timely manner. In such cases, the following recommendations can help alleviate a dry cough and improve overall condition until a check-up.
Methods to stop a dry cough at home
Coughing is actually a protective reaction of the body, and it should not be suppressed. In fact, the cold gradually recedes through the expulsion of phlegm. However, a persistent and extremely dry cough causes a lot of discomfort for the patient. Therefore, this rule does not apply to a dry cough, and it needs to be addressed. The following methods are available in folk medicine:
- massaging the chest;
- steam inhalation;
- infusions and liquids made from medicinal plants.
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Inhalation should be performed carefully. Using boiled potatoes, propolis, essential oils, or eucalyptus leaves will yield expected results. The liquid or mass should not be too hot to avoid burning the mucous membranes. Inhalation can also be done with plain or saline water.
Types of cough
Coughs are of two types: dry and wet. Patients suffer more with a dry cough. A dry cough can cause pain in the chest, sweating, difficulty breathing, and sore throat, often requiring prolonged treatment. In contrast, a wet cough heals faster due to the expulsion of phlegm from the bronchi.
Additionally, the duration of a cough can be periodic or persistent. A periodic cough is characteristic of colds, bronchitis, acute respiratory infections, and other similar infectious diseases. A persistent cough, on the other hand, is considered a sign of a serious illness.
What to do if a dry cough occurs at night?
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Sunflower oil drink: 150 ml of hot water, 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil, salt to taste. Mix everything and drink slowly while warm.
Gogol-mogol: for this sweet dish, you need one egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of diluted honey, 1 tablespoon of butter, and one glass of milk. First, thoroughly mix the egg yolk, then add the milk and continue mixing. Then add the butter and honey. Drink the mixture hot.
Ginger and honey: Chop a piece of ginger root. Add the chopped ginger and a little honey to one glass of boiling water, mix, and drink.
To reduce coughing, elevate the pillow and ensure that the room has clean, cool, and humid air circulating.
What to do if a sore throat worsens with a dry cough?
Recommendations such as rinsing the nose with saline water, drinking more fluids, and humidifying the air in the room with wet towels can help alleviate a sore throat. Saline water helps expel viruses from the mouth and nasal cavity, while humid air ensures faster production and movement of phlegm.
